Integrated Water Resources Management has become the must-do in the water management world. But it is not always the best approach to solving our water problems and can even cause harm and divert energy from more promising alternatives. The basic ideas of integrated water resources management are nearing 100 years of age. They are a [...]Read More »

Singapore’s journey from time of the independence in 1965 is an outstanding example that — in spite of multiple hardships — pragmatic policies, clear visions, long-term planning, forward-looking strategies, political will, and a relentless urge to improve, can result in strong foundations for sustainable development. Founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles of the British [...]Read More »

Chile is now relying on hydropower to support its amazing economic growth. It is a country without oil, gas or coal reserves of its own. Liquified natural gas (LNG) and coal imports are being increased, and there is some talk of expanding non-conventional renewable resources, but hydro represents at least 35% of the current energy [...]Read More »

“Hitherto the long range forecaster has been denied a seat in the banquet hall of science; …the general scientist has denounced him; the professional weather man has treated him with supercilious scorn” (Richards 1911). This statement was made over 100 years ago - long before the development of computers and numerical forecast models - when weather forecasters were limited to reading maps.
Fast forward to now: the age of supercomputers, smart phones and social media. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics, hydrologic processes, and the ability to solve complex equations and communicate with millions of people at lightning fast speed, the same debate rages within the scientific and practicing community as water professionals attempt to push the frontiers of early warning systems for water related hazards.
We continue to experience an ever-increasing number of natural hazards that become disasters. For example...
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